Gorgeous gardens, delish street foods, shop ’til you drop.
Here’s a list of exactly what to do in Singapore to have an epic time.
1. Stroll through Singapore Botanic Garden 新加坡植物園
1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569 (map, website)
It’s like going to Manhattan without strolling through Central Park. Singapore Botanic Gardens is a total must. The 156 year old tropical garden is conveniently located within the city’s shopping district that’s considered one of Asia’s bests and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proof that Singapore is a true Garden City, the garden is the only one in the world that opens from 5 a.m. to midnight everyday. It features more than 10,000 species of flowers and welcomes 4.5 million visitors every year. Don’t miss its National Orchid Garden which is worthy of an extra ticket. If you’re a fan of orchids, this area pioneers some of the most progressive orchid studies in the world, housing the largest orchid collection at 1,200 species and 2,000 hybrids. Talk about flower power!
2. Eat the best crabs at No Signboard Seafood 無招牌海鮮
414 Geylang Road, Singapore 389392 (map, website)
This is a stop for celebrities throughout Asia, No Signboard Seafood started in the late 1970s when eating crabs was not so popular, especially selling seafood in a hawker center. Today, the restaurant’s white pepper crab has become Singapore’s national dish with the customers’ word of mouth marketing.
3. Indulge in Bak Kut Teh. 松發肉骨茶
11 New Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 059383 (map, website)
In Mandarin, it’s called 肉骨茶, which literally means “meat bone tea.” It’s a simple dish that consists of pork rib bowl and typically comes with thin, soft noodles. The broth cooked for hours is a combo of herbs and spices like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds and garlic. And the one in Singapore you want to go to is called: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh.
4. Get a taste of Las Vegas at Marina Bay Sands.
If you want a taste of Las Vegas in Singapore, then check out Marina Bay Sands, which is a huge complex situated in Marina Bay. Opened in 2010, this is the world’s most expensive standalone casino property, a luxury hotel, a shopping mall, and so many other restaurants, expo centers, theaters, skating rink…absolute luxury to the max.
5. Afternoon tea at TWG.
2 Orchard Turn, #02-21 ION Orchard, 02-20/21 ION Orchard, Singapour 238801 (map, website)
This Singapore tea company began as the first and only upscale tea salon in the country. With locations throughout the entire world, it’s still something fun to do in Singapore. TWG sells over 800 different tea varieties, infused food, pastries, and deluxe tea accessories.
6. Check out Gardens By The Bay. 濱海灣花園
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 (map, website)
Taking its name of Garden City to a whole new level, Gardens by the Bay is a natural park in Marina Bay. These 3 waterfront gardens were the government’s efforts to raise the quality of life by making the country a greener place to live, full of flora. At night, the super trees put on a spectacular light show not to be missed.
7. Stuff your tummy with Hainan Chicken. 海南雞肉飯
Boon Tong Kee 文東記 425 River Valley Rd, Singapore 248324 (map, website)
Tian Tian 天天 1 Kadayanallur St, #01 -10/11 Maxwell Food Center, Singapore 069184 (map)
More food!! Another staple in Singapore cuisine is Hainanese chicken rice, which was adapted from early Chinese immigrants from, you guessed it, Hainan province of China. It’s basically poaching the entire chicken at sub-boiling temperatures. You eat it with ginger and garlic sauce with a bowl of oily rice. Suuuuper delish! （The one in the video is Boon Tong Kee 文東記, but the most famous one is Tian Tian 天天 in a hawker center.
8. Get some artistic inspo at National Gallery Singapore.
1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01–01, Singapore 178957 (map, website)
Taking a break from pigging out, National Gallery Singapore is worth a creative afternoon. Located in downtown, it showcases over 8,000 artworks promoting Southeast Asian art. Opened in 2015, the gallery educates audiences through multi-sensory media, and is a platform for artistic expression that connects Singaporeans and visitors. Housed in the former Supreme Court, this is the largest museum in the country.
9. Don’t miss Orchard Road.
The main road in Singapore is Orchard, with tons of shops and restaurants. It’s become the central heartbeat of the country.
10. Roti prata is another must-eat!
246M Upper Thomson Rd, Singapore 574370 (map, website)
Street food is IT in Singapore, so we couldn’t leave without a stop at Roti Prata House. Considered as one of the best foods in the world, roti prata is basically flat bread cooked over a flat grill, normally served with meat curry dish. Some like it with fish, mutton or vegetables. For dessert, you can get it with chocolate, bananas or strawberries.
